Menu

About me

I’m a husband, father, author, and blogger. My family and I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan, though at times we’ve found ourselves calling places like Seattle and the UK home.

I’ve written a children’s book called The Story of King Jesus, presenting the whole gospel—that is, the story of God making the world right and good again—in one sitting for kids ages 4 to 8. I wrote it because I want to nurture a vibrant, life-giving faith in our kids. (Elizabeth and Oliver, by the way. And yes, they’re adorable.)

Told ya so.

I’m fascinated by Jesus, and I want my kids to share that fascination. I believe the gospel is more than a set of spiritual laws. It’s more than a decision you make or a prayer you recite. It’s something we share by telling our story and by nurturing our kids’ spiritual curiosity.

To me, the gospel isn’t about fighting a culture war or maintaining power for a privileged few. The gospel is about repairing what’s broken, caring for those in need, and welcome everyone to the table. It’s the story of God rescuing his good world, bringing heaven to earth, making all things new.

My journey

I grew up in the borderlands between evangelicalism and fundamentalism. I got serious about my faith while a student at Taylor University. I went on to study theology Grand Rapids Theological Seminary. For a time, I identified with the “young, restless, and reformed” crowd, but my journey has since taken me in other and sometimes surprising directions. While living in the UK, my wife and I stumbled into the Anglican tradition, and we’ve been captivated by the liturgy ever since.

Other stuff I’ve done

In 2012, I helped a couple pastors launch an ecumenical movement called Election Day Communion. Around 900 churches from more than 20 denominations voted together to subvert the toxic, polarizing atmosphere of American politics by sharing communion together on election night.

In 2005, I created a bestselling book called The Story, a 400-page abridgment of the Bible, presented like a novel. I also contributed to a 365-day devotional called Fascinating People of the Bible, looking at some of the famous (and lesser known) characters from the scriptures.

Thanks for reading!

Like this:

LikeLoading...

My children’s book

About me

Search for:

Get new posts sent to your inbox

Enter your email address to follow this blog and receive notifications of new posts by email.

Main navigation

The views expressed here are my own. I don't speak on behalf of any of the organizations I work (or have worked) or for.

To request permission to repost something from this site, use the "contact" link in the main navigation.

Comment policy

Let's make this a conversation!
Your comments are welcome (and encouraged!)—including when you disagree or want to offer different perspective or story. However, comments using profane or abusive language, engaging in personal attacks, or hijacking a thread will be deleted. Repeat offenders will be blocked from posting further comments.

Affilate links

Some of the links on this site are “affiliate links.” If you click on one of these links and make a purchase, I receive a small affiliate commission from the retailer. I do not recommend books or other products unless I have personally used them, and I do not accept payment in exchange for recommendations or endorsements. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”